![]() Human life is not sustained by bread alone (physical provision), but requires the spiritual provision of the Word of God ( Deut 8:3 Job 23:12 ). The association of leaven with evil underlines the fact that bread or leaven can represent temptation, false teaching, or materialism. So important was this concept that a special festival of unleavened bread was instituted ( Lev 23:6 ). ![]() In the first Passover, the eating of unleavened bread typified the haste of Israel's departure from Egypt ( Exod 12:8-11 ), although there are already indications that leaven is associated with the pervasive influence of evil ( Exod 12:14-20 ). Of particular importance in Israel's worship is unleavened bread. Bread was also used as part of an offering of thanksgiving to God ( Lev 7:12-13 ). It played a role in the consecration of the Aaronic priests ( Exod 29:2-3 ). The ritual and theological texts of the Bible often refer to bread. Also, bread can symbolize a financial investment ( Ecc 11:1 ). Metaphorically, eating the "bread of idleness" is to indulge oneself without doing one's household duty ( Prov 31:27 ). Conversely, to take someone's bread and then turn against that person is to commit a heinous offense of ingratitude and betrayal, as in the case of Judas Iscariot ( Psalm 41:9 John 13:18-30 ). The giving of bread to another is a major element of hospitality and serves as a sign of respect and concern ( Gen 14:18 18:6 19:3 Deut 23:4 Ruth 2:14 1 Sam 25:18 28:24 2 Sam 16:1-2 ). As the mainstay of life, bread came to be a primary metaphor for life and sustenance.īread in the Bible functions as a social bond. Meat was eaten by peasants only at festival occasions, and other foods supplemented bread. Indeed, the very word "bread" could be used generically for any kind of food. ![]() ![]() Bread was the essential food of the ancient Israelites. ![]()
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